Previous Year Question

The Ibadat Khana was established by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 CE as a place for religious discussion. Its name broadly means ‘House of Worship’. In its initial phase, discussions were mainly held among the ulama on questions of Islamic theology. According to IGNOU, Abul Fazl associated its purpose with an attempt to ascertain truth and understand Reality.

Later, the scope of these religious discussions was broadened, and Hindu, Jain, Zoroastrian and Christian scholars and religious figures were also included in the debates. Akbar himself took interest in these discussions and listened to different religious viewpoints. Thus, the Ibadat Khana was neither a royal mosque nor Akbar's private prayer chamber; it was a hall for religious and philosophical dialogue.